Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer could follow in the footsteps of courageous former Brisbane Lions midfielder Nigel Lappin and wear a protective vest to guard his ribs when he returns from injury.

Lockyer will miss at least two matches after sustaining rib cartilage damage during last weekend's clash with the Cowboys.

He said he would consider all options to hasten his return, including whether a protective vest would provide protection from further injury.

"That's the plan (a two week break) and I'm just hoping things go to plan," Lockyer told reporters.

"I haven't got broken ribs, I've got rib cartilage problems and you need a different solution for a different injury, but I think we might have to look at a few different options."

Lappin sustained broken ribs and cartilage damage after crashing into teammate Shaun Hart during the AFL preliminary final in 2003.

He courageously played in the grand final the following week with the aid of painkillers and wearing an AFL medically-approved protective vest to be a part of the Lions' historic three-peat.

Lockyer said rest was the only prescribed medication and it was a waiting game to determine if a fortnight on the sideline is sufficient time to recover.

The by-product of having to sit out a couple of matches is that he would be better prepared mentally for the business end of the season.

"I was pretty disappointed about it all, but I want to take some positives out of it and that's one positive, mentally a couple of weeks (off) won't do me any harm," Lockyer said.

"At the moment it's two weeks of doing nothing and letting the body try and heal and we'll look at some options after that."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP